A study conducted in the Netherlands has explored the relationship between different types of shift work, sociodemographic factors, and sleep disorders. Shift work is known to disrupt circadian sleep-wake rhythms and impact sleep quality.
The researchers aimed to determine the prevalence of various sleep disorders among shift workers and how this varies based on different shift patterns and demographic characteristics.
Key findings from the study include:
Regular night shift work was associated with the highest occurrence of sleep disorders. Half of the night shift workers reported sleeping fewer than six hours within 24 hours, and 51% reported at least one sleep disorder.
Across the entire study population, approximately one-third of participants screened positive for at least one sleep disorder, and 12.6% screened positive for two or more sleep disorders.
Sleep disorders were more common in women, but men slept fewer hours on average. Younger participants (aged 30 and below) were more likely to have sleep disorders, despite sleeping shorter hours.
Individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to experience disrupted sleep patterns.
The study highlights the significant impact of shift work on sleep health, with regular night shift workers facing the highest risk of sleep disorders. Demographic factors such as age, gender, and education level also play a role in sleep quality among shift workers.
The findings emphasize the importance of addressing sleep disorders and implementing strategies to improve sleep health for shift workers, particularly those working regular night shifts.
The researchers suggest that these findings can be valuable for employers in industries where shift work is common, helping them develop strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of night work and improve sleep quality for their employees.
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The research findings can be found in Frontiers in Psychiatry.
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